Ducati unveiled exciting new metal at the recent Milan Show, leaving the updated Monster 1200 S in the sidelines.Perhaps that’s because we’ve got nothing ground-breaking here. It’s still the 1200 S, right? Nope. Bologna has given their big Monster a seriously thoughtful refresh for 2017. Here are our top picks.TOP STORIES

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1. More Power!Ducati has employed the latest (Euro4 compliant) version of the Testastretta 11o DS powerplant, which is near identical to the unit on the premium Monster 1200 R model. The new motor pumps power up to a claimed 150bhp at 9250rpm, 5bhp more than the outgoing S (and 15 more than the outgoing stocker). 2. New electronicsThe Monster’s braking set-up is now complemented by a Ducati Wheelie Control Syste

The original Ducati 860 GT was released in 1974 with controversially “square” styling by renowned car designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, the new model replaced the more rounded Ducati 750 GT, with a series of exterior and interior engine modification by engineer Fabio Taglioni. The Ducati 900 SD “Darmah” was introduced in 1977 to address som

The Ducati 1299 Superleggera might be the most technically astounding machine ever to come from the Italian brand, but all those exotic materials and fancy electronics are lost on some riders – motorcyclists who prefer more simpler times. So the good folk at Speed Junkies have heard this call, and mashed-up …

The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is America’s version of our Isle of Man TT. It’s a race to the clouds, 14,115 feet above sea level to be exact, where a bunch of lunatics with motorcycles, quadbikes, cars and trucks carve their way up 12.42 miles of mountain course, flirting with its 156 turns, hairpins, and cliff edges while battling snow, bears and altitude sickness. And Ducati are a big player in the event, winning their class six times and retaining the motorcycle course record, set in 2012 on a Multistrada with a cracking time of 9:52:819. Ducati produced a celebratory, ultra-sleek Pikes Peak edition of the Multi back in 2011. And we’ve been treated to an updated model for 2016, which uses the 2015 Multistrada 1200S as a donor bike.

Have you ever been in the presence of really special people? People who have an intangible quality about them—a quality that you want to bottle, if only you knew what it was.I met two of the most significant people in the world of Ducati today. Vicki Smith and Rich Lambrechts are amazing collectors of Ducati, however, they are so much more than that.Rich is an engineer and designer who turned his talents to vintage Ducati motorcycle restorations. His abilities range from hand metalwork to perfect hand drawn pinstripes and everything in between.Vicki was a professional racecar driver for almost two decades and subsequently, Ducati motorcycles fit her need for speed perfectly. She developed Ducati ownership enhancement when she developed Ducati.netHer work with Ducati North America keeps her in the center of the Ducati action worldwide.Vicki and Rich make a formidable pair with broad complementary skills that range from mechanical to motorcycle events, management and social media. They are the keepers of the Ducati flame. Vicki has an amazing knowledge of all things, and all people, Ducati. I don’t think there would be anyone who knows Ducati history better.Rich, the master craftsman has restored and built some of the finest pieces of art I have had the pleasure to photograph. In order to be appreciated, his workmanship has to be savoured. He is the Michelangelo of the Ducati world.Every brand of significance has those very special few people who not only love and collect the brand, but they are part of the brand’s history, and help keep the brand alive.Rich and Vicki are carrying the torch for the next generation. The bikes they have rescued and restored are priceless time capsules that pay homage to the artisans who built these masterpieces. Their collection tells the stories of past battles and victories, the gladiators who rode them and the creators of them.Their collection goes way beyond bikes, to all things Ducati. Who else do you know has Cook Neilson’s Daytona wining trophy (Ducati’s first ever win at the fabled track) in their office? If that doesn’t impress you, I think it’s time to check your pulse.As I reflect on the day, I feel like I have been with Ducati royalty and they have treated me like a VIP guest with the all-access pass. If there are just a few more amazing people like Vicki and Rich out there in Ducati land then I think the next generation will have many masterpieces to admire and marvel at.

Vicki Smith for Ducati.net's insight:

Such an honor to get a visit at Ducati.net from Ducati Globetrotter90 Steve Fraser

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